Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Applications and Future of Recycling and Recycled Plastics

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Recent Developments in Plastic Recycling

Part of the book series: Composites Science and Technology ((CST))

Abstract

The plastic recycling sector in its transition to the Circular Economy model is facing numerous challenges such as multilayer films recovering, flexible plastics, low-quality recyclates, consumers safety, and bioplastics, among others. The demand for high quality recycled products is expected to increase due to social pressure and new legislation, especially in the EU. Nevertheless, conventional recycling processes are not able to meet the quality requirements of more demanding applications intended to become in direct contact with the consumer. Therefore, new recycling technologies must be implemented to ensure the recovery of more challenging materials (for instance, multilayer films) and to maintain the quality of recycled products at a high level. Some innovative technologies that are being developed are delamination of multilayer films in a water-based solution, removal of undesired odours by steam stripping, and removal of less volatile contaminants using a water-soluble heavy solvent. High quality recycled pellets will be used in high added value applications usually in direct contact with the consumer such as cosmetics packaging, personal care products packaging, toys, kitchenware, car interior parts, etc. In this way, the highest environmental benefits will be produced, and the plastics sector will be more circular.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Achilias DS et al (2007) Chemical recycling of plastic wastes made from polyethylene (LDPE and HDPE) and polypropylene (PP). J Hazard Mater 149(3)536–542

    Google Scholar 

  • Achilias DS, Karayannidis GP (2004) The chemical recycling of PET in the framework of sustainable development. Water Air Soil Pollut: Focus 4(4–5):385–396

    Google Scholar 

  • Agüero A et al (2019) Study of the influence of the reprocessing cycles on the final properties of polylactide pieces obtained by injection molding. Polymers 11(12):1908

    Google Scholar 

  • Aimplas (2013) Final report summary—CLIPP. (Study of Recyclability of Printed Or Laminated Plastic Packaging Films using CO2 Supercritical Technologies). http://www.cordis.europa.eu/result/rcn/57384_en.html

  • Åkesson D, Kuzhanthaivelu G, Bohlén M (2020) Effect of a small amount of thermoplastic starch blend on the mechanical recycling of conventional plastics. J Polym Environ, pp 1–7

    Google Scholar 

  • Alaerts L, Augustinus M, Van Acker K (2018) Impact of bio-based plastics on current recycling of plastics. Sustainability 10(5):1487

    Google Scholar 

  • Auras R, Harte B, Selke S (2004) An overview of polylactides as packaging materials. Macromolecul Biosci 4(9):835–864

    Google Scholar 

  • Barret A (2018) PepsiCo goes for bioplastic bottles

    Google Scholar 

  • Belsey Priebe M (2011) How to recycle PVC

    Google Scholar 

  • Ben Said A et al (2016) Supercritical CO2 extraction of contaminants from polypropylene intended for food contact: effects of contaminant molecular structure and processing parameters. J Supercrit Fluids 110:22–31. ISSN 0896-8446

    Google Scholar 

  • Bugnicourt E et al (2014) Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA): review of synthesis, characteristics, processing and potential applications in packaging

    Google Scholar 

  • Burberry (2018) Product restricted substances list—version

    Google Scholar 

  • Cabanes A et al (2020) Odorant composition of post-consumer LDPE bags originating from different collection systems. Waste Manag 104:228–238

    Google Scholar 

  • Cabanes A, Fullana A (2021) New methods to remove volatile organic compounds from post-consumer plastic waste. Sci Total Environ 758:144066

    Google Scholar 

  • Cabanes A, Valdés FJ, Fullana AA (2020) Review on VOCs from recycled plastics. Sustain Mater Technol 25:e00179

    Google Scholar 

  • Casalini T et al (2019) A perspective on polylactic acid-based polymers use for nanoparticles synthesis and applications. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 7

    Google Scholar 

  • Castro-Aguirre E et al (2016) Poly(Lactic Acid)—mass production, processing, industrial applications, and end of life. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 107:333–366

    Google Scholar 

  • Cervantes-Reyes A et al (2015) Solvent effect in the polyethylene recovery from multilayer postconsumer aseptic packaging. Waste Manag 38(1):61–64. Accessed 28 Nov 2017

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen Y et al (2019) Life cycle assessment of end-of-life treatments of waste plastics in China. Resour Conserv Recycl 146:348–357

    Google Scholar 

  • Chotipong A et al (2003) Effects of concentration, pH, and temperature on ink removal from printed high density polyethylene sheets by Alkyl-Trimethylammonium Bromides. UNKNOWN

    Google Scholar 

  • Chotipong A et al (2006) Removal of solvent-based ink from printed surface of HDPE bottles by Alkyltrimethylammonium bromides: effects of surfactant concentration and Alkyl chain length. Colloid Polym Sci 284(9):980–989

    Google Scholar 

  • Chotipong A et al (2007) Removal of solvent-based ink from printed surface of high-density polyethylene bottles by Alkyltrimethylammonium bromides: effects of pH, temperature, and salinity. Colloids Surf A: Physicochem Eng Aspect 297(1):163–171

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark DI (2018) Reference module in food science Elsevier. In: Food packaging and sustainability: a manufacturer’s view

    Google Scholar 

  • De Carvalho GM, Muniz EC, Rubira AF (2006) Hydrolysis of post-consume Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) with sulfuric acid and product characterization by WAXD, 13C NMR and DSC. Polym Degrad Stabil 91(6)1326–1332

    Google Scholar 

  • De Lima AGB et al (2016) Drying and energy technologies Springer. In: Drying of bioproducts: quality and energy aspects, pp 1–18

    Google Scholar 

  • De Tandt E et al (2021) A recycler’s perspective on the implications of REACH and food contact material (FCM) regulations for the mechanical recycling of FCM plastics. Waste Manag 119:315–329

    Google Scholar 

  • Dilkes-Hoffman LS et al (2019) Plastics to energy. In: Al-Salem SM (ed) The role of biodegradable plastic in solving plastic solid waste accumulation. William Andrew Publishing, pp 469–505

    Google Scholar 

  • Domene-López D et al (2018) Study of the behavior of biodegradable starch/polyvinyl alcohol/rosin blends. Carbohydr Polym 202:299–305

    Google Scholar 

  • Domene-López D et al (2019a) Influence of starch composition and molecular weight on physicochemical properties of biodegradable films. Polymers 11(7):1084

    Google Scholar 

  • Domene-López D et al (2019b) Comparative study on properties of starch films obtained from potato, corn and wheat using 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate as plasticizer. Inte J Biol Macromol 135:845–854

    Google Scholar 

  • Domene-López D et al (2020) Electroconductive starch/multi-walled carbon nanotube films plasticized by 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate. Carbohydr Polym 229:115545

    Google Scholar 

  • DuPont (2017) Polymer compatibilizer improves the value of blended or recycled plastics

    Google Scholar 

  • EcoProducts (2021) Post-consumer recycled polystyrene

    Google Scholar 

  • EFSA CEF Panel (2010) Scientific opinion on the safety evaluation of the process,” PP Crates CHEP”, used to recycle plastic for use as food contact materials EFSA panel on food contact materials, enzymes, flavourings and processing aids (CEF) 2, 3. EFSA J 8:12

    Google Scholar 

  • EFSA Cef Panel (2012) Scientific opinion on the safety evaluation of the process “INTERSEROH Step 1” used to recycle polypropylene crates for use as food contact material. EFSA J 10(10):2912

    Google Scholar 

  • EFSA CEF Pannel (2013a) scientific opinion on the safety evaluation of the process “CO. NIP” used to recycle polypropylene and polyethylene crates for use as food contact material. EFSA J 11(4):3157

    Google Scholar 

  • EFSA CEF Panel (2013b) Scientific opinion on the safety evaluation of the process “Schoeller Arca Systems”, used to recycle polypropylene and high‐density polyethylene crates for use as food contact material. EFSA J 11(4)3187

    Google Scholar 

  • Egharevba HO (2019) Chemical properties of starchintechopen. Chem Propert Starch Appl Food Ind

    Google Scholar 

  • EPA (2018) Advancing sustainable materials management: 2015 fact sheet

    Google Scholar 

  • Fraunhofer ICT (n.d.) Emission and Odor reduction during compounding

    Google Scholar 

  • Eriksen MK et al (2019) Quality assessment and circularity potential of recovery systems for household plastic waste. J Ind Ecol 23(1)156–168

    Google Scholar 

  • European Bioplastics (2019) Bioplastocs market development update. Berlin ed

    Google Scholar 

  • European Commission (2018) A European strategy for plastics in a circular economy. COM

    Google Scholar 

  • European Commission (2019) Assessment report of the voluntary pledges under annex III of the European strategy for plastics in a circular economy

    Google Scholar 

  • Fullana A (2020) Multilayer film delamination process for plastics recycling. University of Alicante

    Google Scholar 

  • Fullana A, Lozano A (2015) Method for removing ink printed on plastic films

    Google Scholar 

  • Fych Technologies (2021). https://www.fychtech.com/

  • Gamma Meccanica (2016) Cleaning system for the removal of printing ink from flexible plastic films

    Google Scholar 

  • García Fernández S (2011) Procedure for obtaining Rpet (Recovered Tereftalate Polyethylene) from the complex sheet, subproduct of the extrusion, thermonformed and packaging industries

    Google Scholar 

  • Gecol H et al (2001) Use of surfactants to remove water based inks from plastic films. Colloids Surf A: Physicochem Eng Aspect 189(1–3):55–64. Accessed 28 Nov 2017

    Google Scholar 

  • Gecol H et al (2002) Deinking of water-based ink printing from plastic film using nonionic surfactants. J Surfact Deterg 5(4):363–374. Accessed 28 Nov2017

    Google Scholar 

  • Gecol H et al (2003) Use of surfactants to remove solvent-based inks from plastic films. Colloid Polym Sci 281(12):1172–1177. Accessed 28 Nov 2017

    Google Scholar 

  • Gecol H et al (2004) Use of surfactants to remove water-based inks from plastic film: effect of calcium ion concentration and length of surfactant hydrophobe. Colloid Polym Sci 283(2):154–163. Accessed 28 Nov 2017

    Google Scholar 

  • Georgiopoulou I et al (2021) Recycling of post-consumer multilayer Tetra Pak® packaging with the selective dissolution-precipitation process. Resour Conserv Recycl 165:105268

    Google Scholar 

  • Geyer R, Jambeck JR, Law KL (2017) Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made. Sci Adv 3(7):e1700782

    Google Scholar 

  • Gourlay SJ et al (1978) Biocompatibility testing of polymers: in vivo implantation studies. J Biomed Mater Res 12(2):219–232. ISSN 0021-9304. Accessed 03 Jan 2021

    Google Scholar 

  • Hassan SQ, Timberlake DL (1992) Steam stripping and batch distillation for the removal and/Or recovery of volatile organic compounds from industrial wastes. J Air Waste Manag Assoc 42(7):936–943

    Google Scholar 

  • Hatti-Kaul R et al (2020) Designing biobased recyclable polymers for plastics. Trends Biotechnol 38(1):50–67

    Google Scholar 

  • Horodytska O, Valdés FJ, Fullana A (2018a) Centrifugal dewatering performance in plastic films recycling. Waste Manag 80:211–217

    Google Scholar 

  • Horodytska O, Valdés FJ, Fullana A (2018b) Plastic flexible films waste management—a state of art review. Waste Manag 77:413–425

    Google Scholar 

  • Horodytska O, Cabanes A, Fullana A (2020) Non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in recycled plastics. Chemosphere 251:126373

    Google Scholar 

  • Janković-Častvan I et al (2015) Improvement of the mechanical properties of paper by starch coatings modified with sepiolite nanoparticles. Starch Stärke 67(3–4):373–380. ISSN 0038-9056. Accessed 03 Jan 2021

    Google Scholar 

  • Jeziórska R (2003) Recycling of multilayer films by reactive extrusion. Polim/Polym 48(2):130–133. Accessed 28 Nov 2017

    Google Scholar 

  • Jian J, X Z, Xianbo H (2020) An overview on synthesis, properties and applications of Poly(Butylene-Adipate-Co-Terephthalate)–PBAT. Adv Ind Eng Polym Res 3(1):19–26

    Google Scholar 

  • Johansson H, Ackermann PW (1995) Method of recovering individual component parts from packaging material waste

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaiser K, Schmid M, Schlummer M (2018) Recycling of polymer-based multilayer packaging: a review. Recycling 3(1):1

    Google Scholar 

  • Lamberti FM, Román-Ramírez LA, Wood J (2020) Recycling of bioplastics: routes and benefits. J Polym Environ 1–21

    Google Scholar 

  • Leadbitter J (2003) Packaging materials 5: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for food packaging applications. ISBN 1-57881-161-9

    Google Scholar 

  • Lenczak JL, de Aragão GMF (2011) Biotechnologically produced biodegradable polyesters. In: Handbook of biodegradable polymers: isolation, synthesis, characterization and applications, pp 23–44

    Google Scholar 

  • Linder W, Thiele A, Gorski G (2004) Method for obtaining ldpe from used plastic films

    Google Scholar 

  • Lovis F, Seibt H, Kernbaum S (2015) Method and apparatus for recycling packaging material

    Google Scholar 

  • Lule ZC, Oh H, Kim J (2020) Enhanced directional thermal conductivity of polylactic acid/polybutylene adipate terephthalate ternary composite filled with oriented and surface treated boron nitride. Polym Test 86:106495

    Google Scholar 

  • Metalúrgica Rhaaplex (2011) Printing remover machine Rhaaplex. http://www.rhaaplex.com.br/

  • Mukhopadhyay A (2004) Process of de-lamination of multi-layer laminated packaging industrial refuse

    Google Scholar 

  • Musioł M et al (2018) (Bio)Degradable polymeric materials for a sustainable future—part 1. organic recycling of PLA/PBAT blends in the form of prototype packages with long shelf-life. Waste Manag 77:447–454

    Google Scholar 

  • Oliveira TA et al (2017) Effect of reprocessing cycles on the degradation of PP/PBAT-thermoplastic starch blends. Carbohydr Polym 168:52–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Patel KM, Vaviya MM, Patel MH (2016) Process for recovering low-density polyethylene from flexible packaging material

    Google Scholar 

  • Pawar SP et al (2015) Enzymatically degradable and flexible bio-nanocomposites derived from PHBV and PBAT blend: assessing thermal, morphological, mechanical, and biodegradation properties. Colloid Polym Sci 293(10)2921–2930

    Google Scholar 

  • Pawlak A et al (2002) Recycling of postconsumer Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) and high-density polyethylene by compatibilized blending. J Appl Polym Sci 86(6):1473–1485

    Google Scholar 

  • Piolat A (2004) Method and apparatus for recycling printed plastic films

    Google Scholar 

  • Plastics Europe (2020) Plastics—the facts 2020. In: An analysis of European plastics production, demand and waste data

    Google Scholar 

  • PlasticsEurope (2021) Polyilefins

    Google Scholar 

  • Plavec R et al (2020) Recycling possibilities of bioplastics based on PLA/PHB blends. Polym Test 92:106880

    Google Scholar 

  • Procter & Gamble (2020) Ingredients

    Google Scholar 

  • Rivas LF et al (2017) Reprocessability of PHB in extrusion: ATR-FTIR, tensile tests and thermal studies. Polímeros 27(2):122–128

    Google Scholar 

  • Roosen M et al (2021) Towards a better understanding of Odor removal from post-consumer plastic film waste: a kinetic study on deodorization efficiencies with different washing media. Waste Manag 120:564–575

    Google Scholar 

  • RSE USA (2017) Film recycling investment report

    Google Scholar 

  • Ruderman RJ et al (1973) Scanning electron microscopic study of surface changes on biodegradable sutures. J Biomed Mater Res 7(2):215–229. ISSN 0021-9304. Accessed 3 Jan 2021

    Google Scholar 

  • Samorì C et al (2017) Application of switchable hydrophilicity solvents for recycling multilayer packaging materials. Green Chemistry 19(7):1714–1720

    Google Scholar 

  • Santana ÁL, Meireles MAA (2014) New starches are the trend for industry applications: a review. Food Public Health 4(5):229–241

    Google Scholar 

  • Selke SEM, Culter JD (2016) Plastics packaging, 3rd edn. In: Selke SEM, Culter JD (eds) Hanser 4—major plastics in packaging, pp 101–157

    Google Scholar 

  • Sharma H (2017) Innovative and sustainable application of PET bottle a green construction overview. Indian J Sci Technol 10(16):1–6

    Google Scholar 

  • Shen L, Worrell E, Patel M (2010) Present and future development in plastics from biomass. Biofuels Bioprod Biorefin 4(1)25-40. ISSN 1932-104X. Accessed 01 Jan 2021

    Google Scholar 

  • Songsiri D et al (2002) Use of cationic surfactant to remove solvent-based ink from rigid high density polyethylene surfaces. Colloids Surf A: Physicochem Eng Aspect 204(1):261–269

    Google Scholar 

  • Soroudi A, Jakubowicz I (2013) Recycling of bioplastics, their blends and biocomposites: a review. European Polym J 49(10):2839–2858

    Google Scholar 

  • Spiegel S (2018) Recent advances in applied polymer science. J Appl Polym Sci 135(24):46279. ISSN 0021-8995

    Google Scholar 

  • Strangl M et al (2018) Comparison of the odorant composition of post-consumer high-density polyethylene Waste with corresponding recycled and Virgin pellets by combined instrumental and sensory analysis. J Clean Prod 181:599–607

    Google Scholar 

  • Suschem (2020) Sustainable plastics strategy

    Google Scholar 

  • Tabone MD et al (2010) Sustainability metrics: life cycle assessment and green design in polymers. Environ Sci Technol 44(21):8264–8269

    Google Scholar 

  • Tetra Pak (2020) Tetra Pak history

    Google Scholar 

  • The Dow Chemical Company (2017) Dow Resin compatibilizer helps give film scrap a second chance at life

    Google Scholar 

  • Tiseo I (2020) PET plastic bottle recycling rates in select countries 2018

    Google Scholar 

  • Uehara GA, França MP, Canevarolo Junior SV (2015) Recycling assessment of multilayer flexible packaging films using design of experiments. Polimeros 25(4):371–381. Accessed 28 Nov 2017

    Google Scholar 

  • Vasile C, Pascu M (2005) Practical guide to polyethylenerapra technology, 2005. 2-Basic Types, pp 15-39. ISBN 1-85957-493-9

    Google Scholar 

  • Webster K (2017) The circular economy: a wealth of flows. Ellen MacArthur Foundation Publishing

    Google Scholar 

  • Welle F (2014) Food additives and packaging American chemical society, 2014. In: Food law compliance of Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) (PET) food packaging materials, pp 167–195. ISBN 9780841230248

    Google Scholar 

  • Wyser Y, Leterrier Y, Månson J-AE (2017) Effect of inclusions and blending on the mechanical performance of recycled multilayer PP/PET/SiOx films. J Appl Polym Sci 78(4):910–918

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhu Y, Romain C, Williams CK (2016) Sustainable polymers from renewable resources. Nature 540(7633):354–362

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemical Engineering Department, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig Road, s/n, 03690, San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain

    Horodytska Oksana, Cabanes Andrea, Domene-López Daniel & Fullana Andrés

Authors
  1. Horodytska Oksana
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Cabanes Andrea
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Domene-López Daniel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Fullana Andrés
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Horodytska Oksana .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Mar Athanasios College For Advanced Studies Tiruvalla, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India

    Jyotishkumar Parameswaranpillai

  2. King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

    Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa

  3. Presidency University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

    Arpitha Gulihonnehalli Rajkumar

  4. King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

    Suchart Siengchin

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2021 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Oksana, H., Andrea, C., Daniel, DL., Andrés, F. (2021). Applications and Future of Recycling and Recycled Plastics. In: Parameswaranpillai, J., Mavinkere Rangappa, S., Gulihonnehalli Rajkumar, A., Siengchin, S. (eds) Recent Developments in Plastic Recycling. Composites Science and Technology . Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-3627-1_15

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation